Ford has launched the next chapter in its next-generation Ranger series with the new Wildtrak X – a vehicle that aims to be the best of both worlds with a combination of great performance and comfort while offering all the practicality you’d expect of a bakkie.
The X has a South African starting price of R1,013,000, making it the third most expensive Ranger in the country and putting it in direct competition with two of its siblings, the Wildtrak V6, and the halo-model Raptor.
To keep up with its brethren, the Blue Oval has tricked out its latest high-rider with a number of exclusive new features that help it to stand out amongst its rivals within the country’s premium 4×4 segment.
What you get
While the normal Wildtrak is offered with two diesel engines, a 2.0-litre bi-turbo, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, the X is only available with the former.
Ford’s explanation is that the 2.0-litre plant was the more sensible choice for the X, given that it has the same towing potential as the V6 but noticeably lower fuel consumption.
For reference, the bi-turbo produces a total of 154kW and 500Nm, in contrast to the 3.0-litre’s 184kW and 600Nm, yet the new bakkie is still able to tow 3,500kg and carry 946kg in the load bed.
It also has a fuel consumption of 7.5l/100km, making it the most frugal of the R1-million Rangers, as the V6 uses 8.4l/100km and the Raptor manages 11.5l/100km.
A 10-speed automatic gearbox is used to transmit power to the on-demand 4WD system, which allows for on-the-fly switches between 2H, 4H, and 4L modes, as well as a 4A function which automatically sends power to the wheels when needed.
Complementing the ride is an exclusive new suspension kit that incorporates Bilstein position-sensitive dampers, which improves driving comfort and helps to raise the ground clearance by 26mm to 237mm.
The track is now 30mm wider, and the bakkie is mounted atop a set of 17-inch alloy rims with General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres.
It also has a water wading depth of 800mm, and an approach, break-over, and departure angle of 30, 22, and 25.6 degrees, respectively.
Additionally, the Ford comes with a rear differential lock, seven driving modes for Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Rock Crawl, and a new Trail Turn Assist function that can reduce the turning radius by 25% at low speeds.
Differentiating the X from its siblings are a series of model-specific badges and decals on the rear and sides of the door, as well as a revised grille with integrated auxiliary LEDs.
This is in addition to standard Wildtrak features like side steps, a steel bash plate, and C-clamp LED headlights with daytime running lights.
Inside, the seats are finished in leather while components like the upper glovebox have a Miko-suede trim, and both are stylized with Cyber Orange accents.
Equipment comprises an 8.0-inch digital driver display, a 12-inch portrait infotainment screen with onboard navigation and smartphone pairing, a 10-speaker B&O stereo, a wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, electric front seats, ambient lighting, an overhead switchboard for accessories, and keyless entry and start.
Owners also have access to an active park assist, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering, lane-departure warning, and a 360-degree camera.
All Ford Rangers are sold with a 4-year/120,000km warranty and 4-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance.
Keyword: New Ford Ranger Wildtrak X – What you get for R1 million